Country Living in a Cariboo Valley

Homesteading in BC

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree

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This Homemade Pumpkin Puree is the perfect way to conjure up all of the great flavors of Fall. It can also be used to make some great pumpkin-flavored dishes!

Pumpkin puree sits in a bowl with a fork. Below is a piece of pumpkin pie and beside it, a slice of pumpkin loaf.
Here’s how to make homemade Pumpkin Puree for using in baking and cooking. Turn a pumpkin into a pie!

Homemade Pumpkin Puree Backstory

Once Fall rolls around, I start thinking about Halloween. Halloween makes me think of pumpkins. Pumpkins make me think of homemade pumpkin puree, pumpkin pies, pumpkin loaf and all other things pumpkin. We love pumpkin!

 

Lit pumpkins sit in the dark.
Don’t let your jack-o-lanterns go to waste; turn them into pumpkin puree!

 

When my sons were young, we always carved and decorated pumpkins at Halloween. We’d set them out on our porch with candles inside them to welcome all the kids who were trick or treating.

But my boys got older, of course. Once they became teenagers, they really weren’t into the pumpkin carving thing anymore. So I started turning our Halloween pumpkin into a Pumpkin pie every year.

I no longer bothered with carving them out and putting a candle inside. Instead I draw the pumpkin face on with a black Sharpie and set them out on the porch with our other Fall decorations.

We just leave all the porch lights turned on (and some inside ones too) to let the kids know we’re home.

 

Pumpkin on a front porch.
If you use Sharpie like I did here, make sure to cut those bits away if you plan on using the pumpkin for puree!

 

 

 

How to Make Pumpkin Puree

 

Clean Out the Pumpkin

  1. After Halloween, take the Pumpkin and clean it out. You can cut a “cap” out of the top so that you can get in there and scrape out all the pulp and seeds.
  2. Use a large metal spoon and scrape the inside wall, all the way around. Get off as much stringy pulp as you can.
  3. You can cut the pumpkin in half now, much like you would a squash. Or just leave it whole with the cap back on. Or don’t even bother with cutting a cap, if you don’t mind scooping out the pulp and seeds after baking.

 

Baked pumpkins sit on the stove.
I’ve left the caps on for these pumpkins, but you can also scoop out the seeds and insides before baking if you prefer!

Bake

  1. Put a layer of tin foil on a cookie sheet and place the pumpkin on the tin foil. Put it in an oven set at 350F. Let it bake for awhile. How long it takes will depend on the size of your pumpkin.Large pumpkins can take several hours to cook through.
  2. Once the Pumpkin is soft and mushy, it’s ready. You can probably tell just by looking at it, as it will be somewhat sunken in. Test it by poking a fork in it. If the fork easily goes through the whole wall of the pumpkin, it’s ready.

Puree the Baked Pumpkin

  1. Remove it from the oven and let it cool. Then, just scrape all the flesh into a bowl. Doing this while the pumpkin is warm makes it very easy and quick. You will have already removed all the stringy stuff and seeds, so this part of the process won’t take long.
  2. Mash the pumpkin with a fine masher to break it down into a puree. Your homemade Pumpkin Puree is now ready to use in pies or baked loaves.

 

More Pumpkin Posts

 

Use the pumpkin flesh to make a pie, cookies or a Pumpkin Cranberry Loaf or eat it as a side dish with dinner.

 

Making a Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

If you enjoy this recipe for homemade pumpkin puree to use in pumpkin pie, please be sure to rate it 5 stars below! And print this off or save it to your Recipes folder!

a slice of pumpkin pie sits on a plate

Pumpkin Pie

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

A Fall holiday favourite, Pumpkin Pie is the perfect dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 eggs, well beaten
  • 1 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/3 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Mix the sugar, spices and salt well.
  2. Add the water and mix together well.
  3. Stir in the eggs and blend. Add the pumpkin and the milk. Mix well together.
  4. Pour into prepared pie shell.
  5. Bake at 450 F for 10 minutes. Turn the oven down to 325 F and bake for 45 - 50 minutes.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Annie
Category: Dessert

First Published October 2016; Updated March 2021

Thanks for checking out this recipe. For more, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter!

Basket of pumpkins.
This fall be sure to try this homemade pumpkin puree for yourself; it’s easy, delicious, and can be used for so many recipes!
 

How to Make Homemade Pizza Dough – Recipe

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The evenings and mornings are getting a lot cooler. And once colder weather hits, we often have homemade pizza. Here’s a homemade pizza dough recipe that is super simple.

Our days are still busy although I know it won’t be long now until the garden is completely tucked in for the winter. Then our days get a lot easier, in that the harvesting and a lot of the canning has been done. 

The freezers are full, not only of meat but also berries and frozen greens, broccoli and cauliflower. The sauerkraut has been made and canned up and put away. Later in the Fall will come the time for pulling the berries out of the freezer and making jam or wine or both.

A few years ago, I canned a lot of tomato sauce and we still have a few jars left. We also have quite a few jars of homemade Pizza Sauce on hand and it is so tasty.

How to Make Pizza Dough at Home

 

Here’s a recipe for Sicilian Pizza Crust – get a batch of dough ready and add whatever toppings you like or have on hand.

adding yeast to warm water to make pizza dough

 

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. I like to let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes.

Then stir in the salt and olive oil. Finally, add in the flour.

Knead the dough about one minute, just until it is smooth. Let it sit and rest for about 20 minutes. Then cover and keep the dough warm for 1/2 hour.

I usually turn on the oven, set the bowl with the dough on top and cover with a clean tea towel. 

Cover your pizza pan with olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the best kind of oil you can ever use.

Buy it in bulk and transfer some to a small bottle to keep on the counter. Keep it close by and use it all the time.

Your body will thank you for it.

 

I grew peppers, onions, oregano and garlic to make homemade pizza

 

Here come the toppings – homegrown onions, peppers, garlic and oregano. I added some store bought mushrooms and some pizza sausage.

Also had to buy the cheese, as we don’t have a cow and don’t have access to the goat cheese we usually get (which is awesome and I wish my friend would come back so we could get more!)

 

add homegrown herbs to pizza for a wonderful taste explosion

 

Homegrown Oregano, what is better than using lots of fresh herbs in your food? Bonus  that I just clipped off a branch in order to make the pizza.

There’s nothing like using fresh herbs – try it and put that salt shaker away. Herbs taste much better!

 

I made my own dough for our homegrown pizza

Home made Pizza Crust

Back to the dough – split the dough into 3 or 4 separate balls – I do 3, because we like a bit thicker pizza crust.

If your family really likes thin crust pizza better, you can get 4 balls of dough out of the recipe.

 

homemade pizza dough pressed into olive oil covered pizza pan

 

Press out your dough onto the coated pizza pan. Take the other 2 or 3 balls, put them in separate containers and toss them in the freezer.

Now you’ll be able to quickly make a pizza when you are running out of time or ideas for creative dinners.

 

make and can your own pizza sauce

 

The Pizza Sauce – this tastes so good. This sauce is nice and thick and we love it.

I can it in half-pint jars and we use a whole jar on one pizza.

 

I added peppers, onions, mushrooms and lots of mozzarella cheese

 

Add your toppings and bake in a preheated oven. Bake it at  425F degrees for about 18 minutes.

Let it cool for 5 minutes and then slice it into pieces.

 

make your own pizza dough, sauce and grow your own toppings

 

Pour a nice glass of red wine and enjoy with your dinner. Add a green salad and you are set to go!

 

home made dough rising for pizza crust

Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

Yield: 3 pizza crusts
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This easy Sicilian Pizza Dough recipe makes 3 pizza crusts. Just pop extras in the freezer for a quick meal later.

Ingredients

  • 1 pkt (2 1/4 tsp. yeast)
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 4 tbsps olive oil
  • 5 cups flour

Instructions

    Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes.

    Stir in the salt and olive oil.

    Add in the flour.

    Knead the dough about one minute, just until smooth.

    Let dough sit and rest for about 20 minutes.

    Cover and keep the dough warm for 1/2 hour.

    Split the dough into 3 or 4 separate balls, depending on desired thickness.

    Put extra dough balls in separate containers and put in freezer.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 292mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Cuisine: Italian

Enjoy this homemade pizza dough recipe and make a fast and easy dinner.

 

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here

Easy Homemade Granola Recipe

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This Homemade Granola Recipe is so simple to make but you can enjoy it in so many different ways. This crunchy and versatile recipe is perfect for breakfast or a filling snack!

Berries and granola sit in a bowl on top of yogurt.
This easy homemade granola is a delicious and crunchy way to fill you up and satisfy you!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola Recipe

Do you like granola? With all the nuts, berries and oats mixing it up together, granola is a healthy and delicious breakfast food. Here’s our homemade Granola recipe. 

Pour some over top of yogurt, or enjoy as a cereal with milk. Granola is filling too, so it will keep you going for awhile.

Here’s a great Homemade Granola recipe that friend passed along to me and we love it.

It’s easy to make and you can add any kind of dried fruits or nuts to the recipe.

 

Homemade granola in a bowl with yogurt and berries.
This granola is extremely versatile; you can serve it in so many different ways!

Ingredients

  • honey – provides some natural sweetness and helps the granola stick together.
  • oil – allows the granola to get nice and crunchy while baking–use something neutral, like coconut oil.
  • oats – you’ll want to use rolled oats (also called old fashioned or whole oats) for this recipe.
  • mixed nuts and seeds – for this ingredient you can really change things up and make this easy homemade granola your own and add all of your favorites!

 

Homemade granola with yogurt and blueberries.
This granola is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a nice filling afternoon snack.

 

How to Make Homemade Granola

  1. Mix together honey, oil, and water.
  2. Add the oats and mixed nuts and seeds. Be sure to stir well to be sure that everything is well coated in the liquid mixture!
  3. Bake around 250 degrees F for an hour and a half, stirring every 15 minutes or so. Low and slow is what will give your granola a toasty crunchiness!
  4. Cool completely and store in something airtight.

 

Variations and Serving Suggestions

  • Homemade granola goes great over top of yogurt, or you can eat is as a cereal with some milk.
  • You could also add granola to some pancake or waffle batter for added texture and flavor, or sprinkle on French toast.
  • There are a number of oils you could use to make this granola, and each will alter the flavor just slightly. Grapeseed, vegetable, canola, coconut, and sunflower oil are all potential options.
  • In regards to seeds and nuts, there are so many delicious options. For seeds: pumpkin, chia, sesame, sunflower kernels. For nuts: slivered almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts.
  • Other potential add-ins include coconut flakes, dried cranberries or raisins, dried cherries, or dried apricots.
  • Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for sweetening.
  • You might also throw some spices into this granola, like cinnamon or some salt to balance out the sweetness.
  • Serve with fresh blueberries, strawberries, bananas, your your favorite fruit.

 

More Breakfast Recipes

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here, but check out these other great ideas for delicious breakfast dishes!

 

Homemade Granola Recipe

If you enjoy this recipe for easy homemade granola, please be sure to rate it 5 stars below!

Homemade Granola

Homemade Granola

Yield: 9 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This healthy Granola recipe makes a large batch so you can store the extra and use later. Or use every day with yogurt or as a trail mix. Add your favourite nuts and fruits to change things up.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 6 cups oats
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 – 4 cups mixed nuts & seeds, I used 3 cups and wished I had more

Instructions

  1. Combine the honey, oil and water. I use Coconut Oil (a solid at room temperature)so I heat it up and then mix the first 3 ingredients together.
  2. Add the 6 cups of oats and mixed nuts & seeds (I had 3 cups), give it a good mixing and then spread it out on some cookie sheets.
  3. Bake at low temperature (around 250 degrees) for about an hour and a half. Make sure you give it all a good stir every 15 minutes. Bake it until it's toasty and crunchy. Let it cool completely and store in a canister.
  4. We enjoy it on yogurt with fresh fruit - it's delicious!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Annie

First Published August 2016; Updated February 2021

Thanks for checking out this recipe. For more, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter!

 

Granola and berries on top of yogurt in a bowl.
Once you learn how simple it is to make your own granola, you’ll never go back!
 
A jar full of granola decorated with flowers and twigs.
Easy homemade granola makes for a lovely gift for loved ones, or just a delicious treat for yourself!

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops – Recipe

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These Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops are a simple but tasty way to incorporate some turmeric into your diet and enjoy all of the great flavors and health benefits.

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops alongside grilled vegetables.
These turmeric garlic pork chops are so hearty and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops

Here is a fantastic dinner recipe that uses garlic and turmeric; it’s easy and what a fantastic flavor this dish has. Here is a fantastic dinner recipe that uses garlic and turmeric.

We took out some of our homegrown pork steaks from the freezer. Those weaner pigs we raised last year are still rewarding us with great tasting pork. Here’s some great info about about raising and butchering pigs for your family if you’re interested yourself!

Graham wanted a recipe using turmeric with pork, and we found lots of great ideas, but….we haven’t been to the grocery store in a while and we didn’t have all the ingredients we needed.

So, Graham made one up – he loves cooking and often improvises. Here’s what he came up with!

 

Ingredients

  • turmeric – this spice has a distinct earthy flavor and boosts the immune system, works as an anti-inflammatory, and has a number of other benefits for your health!
  • cayenne pepper – gives your pork chops some added heat and plays perfectly off the spice.
  • garlic – this recipe uses fresh and smoked to give you a great variety and spectrum of flavors.
  • pork chops – pork is a great source of protein and also includes lots of vitamins and minerals that can contribute to cardiovascular health. We usually use bone-in pork chops.

 

How to Make Turmeric Pork Chops

  1. In a small bowl, combine turmeric, cayenne pepper and smoked garlic and crush, using a mortar and pestle if needed.
  2. Peel and finely dice a head of garlic and set aside.
  3. Rub half of the spice mix into the surface of the pork chops. Turn over and do the same to the other side.

    Pork chops sprinkled with turmeric and baked with garlic.
    Be sure to rub your chops thoroughly with the spice mix and allow them to sit for that flavor to really develop.
  4. Let the pork sit for a few minutes to let the flavor settle into the meat.
  5. Add some butter or olive oil (or vegetable oil) to a grill pan or fry pan, then heat the pan over medium or medium-high heat, seasoning with the diced garlic.
  6. Add the pork chops, turning them over half way through cooking. Make sure the chops are well cooked.

    Pork chops frying in a pan.
    We always use our cast iron frying pan – ours is a Lodge, which is made in the US. It’s been used in our kitchen for years and we use it almost every day!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

  • Serve with fresh garden veggies! We enjoyed freshly picked green beans and zucchini, lightly fried with (of course) more garlic. Broccoli, onions, and carrots also go perfectly with this meal.
  • Add a Cheddar Biscuit Bun or a nice side salad. This is another homegrown meal for us. A homegrown meal made even healthier with all that garlic and turmeric!
  • Use at least one large garlic clove for this recipe; discard it after cooking if you don’t want to serve it. We love the stuff so if anything we always go overboard with it!
  • This spice rub is so simply and easy, so feel free to add other spices if you want to broaden the flavor profile! Black pepper, salt, ginger, kosher salt, paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, chili powder, and other spices that are strong and warm will pair perfectly with the turmeric.
  • Serve over white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
  • If you really like the flavor, add another teaspoon ground turmeric. It’s good for you!
  • You can glaze the pork cutlets with a cup honey and a bit of Dijon mustard. Some pineapple juice also adds a great flavor!
  • For extra flavor, add about a tablespoon fish sauce or a couple teaspoons oyster sauce while cooking.
  • Garnish with some thyme, parsley, lime wedges or cilantro.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of acidic flavor. Add a bit of lime zest too!
  • This recipe also works well for chicken breasts. We usually chop up a bunch of green onions to add.

 

Cooked pork chop on a plate with vegetables and a biscuit.
There are so many delicious sides that pair perfectly with these pork chops. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

Other Fantastic Dishes

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here, but here are some highlights!

  • Our Homemade Granola makes for a hearty breakfast – mix it with yogurt or just a splash of milk.
  • These Bacon Wrapped Garlic Bites make a wonderful appetizer along with a glass of wine.
  • This homemade Crab Chowder makes for a filling dinner along with a biscuit and salad.

 

More Turmeric Recipes

Start incorporating this wonderful healthy spice into your family meals. Boost your immune system and improve your health!

 

A spoonful of turmeric.
Turmeric is healthy and tastes great on pork chops!

 

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

If you enjoy this recipe for pork chops, please be sure to rate it 5 stars below!

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops

Turmeric Garlic Pork Chops

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Turmeric and Garlic spice up this pork dish. Perfect for dinner served along with fresh grilled vegetables and home made biscuits,

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • half a head of fresh or cured Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Garlic
  • 4 Pork Chops or Steaks

Instructions

  1. Combine the Turmeric, Cayenne pepper and Smoked Garlic and crush, using a mortar and pestle if needed.
  2. Finely dice the head of Garlic and set aside.
  3. Rub half of the spice mix into the surface of the pork chops. Turn over and do the same to the other side. Let the pork sit for a few minutes to let the flavour settle into the meat.
  4. Heat your pan, seasoning it with the diced Garlic.
  5. Add the pork chops, turning them over half way through cooking.

Notes

  • Serve with fresh garden veggies!
  • Add a Cheddar Biscuit Bun or a nice side salad. A homegrown meal made even healthier with all that garlic and Turmeric!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 499Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 117mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 55g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Annie

First Published August 2016; latest update Jan 2025

Thanks for checking out this recipe. For more, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter!

 

Cooked pork chops with garlic and turmeric rubbed on them.
This simple but flavorful recipe will become a new favorite!

 

 

 

Dehydrated Kale Chips Recipe

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These dehydrated kale chips are crispy, flavorful, and best of all, they’re a filling snack that’s nutritious and satisfying!

We decided to invest in a quality food dehydrator a few years ago and did a lot of research into the different brands. After reading reviews I bought an Excalibur dehydrator and love it.

We’ve made apple chips (delicious!), garlic salt and different kinds of dehydrated vegetables. We have dried kale to toss into winter soups and stews.

And we made chips…homemade kale chips…Paprika Kale Chips!

Why You’ll Love this Dehydrated Kale Chips Recipe

There are so many health benefits to kale – and so worth it for us to be eating. Kale can help to manage your blood pressure, protect against getting diabetes and may even help with reducing cancer.

Ready to learn how to make kale chips in the dehydrator? Buy the best looking bunch of kale from your local grocery store and dive in!

Dehydrated kale chips in a bowl on the table.
This simple and delicious recipe for homemade kale chips will become a go-to!

How to Make Kale Chips

My Excalibur dehydrator.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a dehydrator; these kale chips can also be made in the oven!

This is my 9 tray Excalibur dehydrator with timer (automatic shutoff). It gets used a lot here and I am very happy with the quality. I store it away over Winter in the basement. Usually though it is upstairs through the entire garden harvest season.

I compared the different types of dehydrators and thought the Excalibur with the automatic timer was the best one to get. I am so glad I did.

It does cost more, but the convenience (and not having to wait up at night until the batch was finished) was well worth it.

One of my friends made homemade kale chips and they were pretty good, so of course I wanted to try making them myself. Since the garden isn’t in season, I had to buy some kale at the grocery store.

A bundle of kale on a counter.
Kale can be a bit expensive so if you have the opportunity to grow it yourself, I highly recommend!

They were $2.99 and there were 11 stems of Kale. That’s pretty expensive and reinforces the idea of growing our own food and eating seasonally.

I am loving having the dehydrator, Excalibur’s are expensive but from every review I have read, they are the very best. Mine came with a 10 year warranty and free shipping and I intend to use it a lot. If you want to research them, click on the links above.

I also have a Salton dehydrator. It is much smaller so cannot hold anywhere near the quantity of the Excalibur.

Separated kale stems lying on a cutting board.
Be sure to cut as close to the stem as you can in order to get as much of the leaf as possible.

Ingredients

  • kale leaves – kale is a fantastic leafy green that can help boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol, improve your heart health, and even prevent against certain kinds of cancer! It’s full of antioxidants and fiber and low in calories, fat, and carbs, which makes kale the perfect ingredient for a healthy snack.
  • extra virgin olive oil – helps your kale leaves get nice and crispy.
  • paprika – adds a hint of sweetness and spiciness which pairs well with the hearty, green taste of the kale.
  • sea salt – just because they’re kale chips doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add a little bit of salt for flavor!

 

Instructions for Homemade Kale Chips

  1. I separated the kale leaves and gave them a good washing. After cutting out the stems and cutting the kale into chip sized pieces, I tossed the kale pieces in a large bowl.
  2. Combine the coating mix and add it to the kale. You have to get in there with your hands to toss the kale around and make sure it is covered with the coating mixture.
  3. Arrange the kale leaves in single layers on the dehydrator trays for 5 hours. Let them cool down a bit, then enjoy!
Paprika Kale Chips in a white bowl on a wood table.
These easy Paprika Kale chips make for a healthy snack.

 

Dried Kale Chips Variations

  • If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also arrange on a baking sheet and bake these kale chips in the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Play around with the spices and seasonings you use to switch up the flavor of these chips and give yourself some variety. Chili powder or flakes, nutritional yeast, red peppers flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper or black pepper, or whatever your favorite flavors are would all take these homemade kale chips to the next level!
  • These paprika kale chips can be made with a number of other greens like chard, collard greens, bok choy, and even brussels sprouts!
  • Sprinkle dehydrated kale leaves with a bit of lemon juice for a pop of citrus flavor.

 

FAQs

Why aren’t my kale chips crispy?

If there’s any excess moisture on the kale leaves after washing them, this can prevent them from crisping up properly, even in the dehydrator. I recommend using a salad spinner to help remove moisture, and be sure to pat them dry with some paper towels as well.

Are dried kale chips healthy?

Absolutely! Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are great for heart health, anti-inflammatory purposes, gut health, and can even help fight cancer! Among these are vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and iron.

They’re naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, so this tasty snack is also much healthier than a lot of other chip options.

Does kale need to be blanched before dehydrating?

No, blanching kale isn’t necessary to make dehydrated kale chips. In fact, skipping this step can help preserve a lot of the vitamins and nutrients that are present in kale.

How long does it take for kale to dehydrate?

It will take about 5 hours for your kale to fully crisp up in the dehydrator.

Is it OK to eat kale chips every day?

In moderation it should be fine. Just be aware that kale contains a large amount of fiber, and eating too much of it on a regular basis can disrupt your digestive system and can cause things like bloating or gas.

 

More Snack Recipes You’ll Love

Our entire Country Living in a Cariboo Valley Recipe Collection can be found here, but here are some other great snacks for you to try!

 

Thumbs up – we really liked the flavour of the paprika kale chips. I am going to experiment with a few different recipes. If you have tried drying Kale chips, let me know what recipe you use. I’d love to give it a try.

 

Dehydrated Kale Chips

If you enjoy this recipe for homemade kale chips, please be sure to rate it 5 stars below!

Kale Chips

Kale Chips

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

These healthy Kale Chips are a great alternative to reaching for salty potato chips. The Paprika adds a nice flavour. Great for afternoon snacks for kids too.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Mix together the olive oil, paprika and salt.
  2. Separate and wash the kale leaves . Cut out the stems and then cut the kale into small bite sized pieces.
  3. Put the leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle the oil mixture on the leaves.
  4. Toss the kale around and make sure it all gets covered with the coating mixture. Using your hands works great.
  5. Spread the leaves on the tray in the dehydrator. Be sure the leaves do not touch each other.
  6. Dry for 5 hours at about 145 degrees.. Let them cool down and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 5 chips
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 529mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Annie
Cuisine: American / Category: Recipes

First Published May 2016; Updated October 2023

Thanks for checking out this recipe. For more, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter!

Paprika Kale Chips ready for eating.
These homemade kale chips are nutritious and filling, which makes them a perfect guilt-free snack!

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